CHURCH volunteers in Old Trafford have staged one of their largest-ever community clean-up campaigners.

Worshippers from the World Mission Society Church of God, in Wright Street, have kept busy during lockdown keeping the area's streets spic and span.

And their latest litterbusting drive was another success - with 60 bags of waste removed and an old fridge and mattress taken away.

Church organisers estimate the combined weight of the collected trash was around 700 kilos.

Church spokesman Joseph Adams said: "Around 30 volunteers participated in the activity.

"Some people say that we are living in a more individualistic society, with people becoming more self-centered, only thinking about themselves.

"Littering and fly-tipping has been an ongoing issue that affects many communities not only in Greater Manchester but throughout the UK, and Trafford is no exception.

"The volunteers from the church regularly carry out various voluntary activities to tackle this problem by taking care of others in the community with the love of mother as well as encouraging others to do the same."

The church has previously earned royal recognition for their efforts.

In 2016 the congregation was presented with the Queen's award for voluntary service.

Mr Adams added: "In 2020, despite the difficulties faced with the Covid-19 pandemic, the volunteers have been pressing on to take part in various initiatives, one of which is the Worldwide Clean-up Campaign.

"The volunteers managed to collect around 60 bags of rubbish as well as larger items such as a fridge, mattress, ironing board, and other items, adding up to about 700kg of rubbish in total. This great effort by all the volunteers helped create a nice vibe, doing something for the community gave them all a wonderful feeling and many smiles.

"A shop owner nearby expressed his heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who had swept the shop front clean, and many passers-by complimented them by honking their horns and shouting encouraging messages."

One volunteer, Michael King said: "People are still littering so much on the roads and elsewhere. When we look around there is so much rubbish. But today I feel really good after cleaning up part of Old Trafford and I hope it inspires many people to participate in this type of activity so we can keep our environment clean which will benefit everyone.”

Mr Adams added: "Many volunteers here are young adults or have families but they come out to help whenever they can. We appreciate the hard work councils are doing, but it is not just their job. We are one community."